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TUB TBAGMBR'^/llBUPbR, S'f, 

Vol. V. INOVBMBBR, 1898. 



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" The Story of Lafayette, 

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FRONTISPIECK 



THE 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE 



MARGARET JANE CODD. 



Chicago: 
A. Flanagan, Pubijsher. 



17 163 

Copyrighted 1S9S 

BY 

A. FIvANAGAN. 













C"d COPV, 
1003, 






To the 

CHILDREN OF AMERICA 

this story of 

Brave Deeds and a Nobi^e Life 

is dedicated. 



J 



PREFACE. 

The youthful minds of America gain what little 
knowledge they possess of I^afayette from the necessarily 
brief space given him in the ordinary school history; so 
that to most of them, he is little but a name. 

We, of the new generation, should not be so forgetful of 
his services; for to his untiring efforts we are indebted for 
the help which came from France in our time of need. 

Without it we could scarcely have hoped to win the 
glorious victory of Yorktown, and the success of our 
struggle for independence might have been very doubtful. 

The story of the brave heart and pure life of Lafayette 
cannot fail to arouse noble thoughts in the minds of its 
readers; and the knowledge of his generous efforts to help 
our land in its days of trouble, must ever prove an 
incentive to feelings of the purest patriotism. 

It is hard to condense the story of such a life into this 
little book, and, through lack of space, much of interest 
has unavoidably been omitted. 

It is also difficult to attain to any great degree of 
originality in such a work; but the compilation has been 
carefully made from the most reliable sources; and this 
little volume is given to the public in the hope that, in 
some small measure, it may help to make the character 
and services of Lafayette better known to the children of 
America. 

Margarejt Jane Codd. 



CONTENTS. 

Page. 

The Boyhood of I^afayette 10 

Life at Court 14 

Lafayette at the Age of Sixteen 15 

Lafayette's Interest in Our Struggle for Freedom .... 16 

Departure for America 19 

Lafayette in the New World 21 

Lafayette in Philadelphia 23 

Brandy wine — September 11, 1777 24 

Valley Forge— 1777-' 78 28 

Failure of the Expedition to Canada — 1778 31 

Among the Indians 33 

Barren Hill 35 

Assistance from France 36 

Lafayette Returns to France — 1 779 39 

Lafayette Returns to America 43 

The Treason of Benedict Arnold 44 

Lafayette's New Command 47 

The Closing Days of the War 49 

Lafayette's Return to France 52 

Lafayette Again Visits America 55 

Lafayette in Europe 60 

The French Revolution 63 

Attempt to Escape and Capture of Lafayette 65 

Lafayette's Friends Attempt His Rescue- • • 68 

Madame De Lafayette 71 

Together in Prison 74 

Release 76 



8 CONTENTS. 

Lafayette as the Nation's Guest — His Reception in 

New York 79 

Lafayette in Boston 82 

Lafayette's Visit to Connecticut 85 

New York Re- visited 88 

Visits to Other Places 90 

Lafayette at Mt. Vernon 92 

The Celebration at Yorktown 93 

Congress Receives the Nation's Guest 94 

Tours in the West and South 97 

The Closing Days of the Visit of Lafayette 98 

Homeward Bound 100 

La Grange 102 

Other Public Services of Lafayette 107 

The Death and Burial of Lafayette 109 



THE STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 



The Boyhood of Lafayette. 

The children of America celebrate " Lafayette 
Day^' in memory of a brave yonng Frenchman, 
who came across the ocean to help us in our first 
battles for freedom. 

He was born on September 6th, 1757, at the 
castle of Chavaniac,^ in Auvergne, France. Look 
at the map of France and it may help you to 
remember the place. 

Though his father was not wealthy, the castle 
where he lived was a beautiful place. It was 
built on a hill commanding a fine view of the 
surrounding country; at the foot of the hill 
flowed a little stream, and fine trees dotted the 
slopes. 

For more than three hundred years his ances- 
tors had done brave deeds for their country, 
France, and in the castle were many banners 
and swords, which had come from the battles in 
which they had fought. Do you think little 
Lafayette ever played soldier in the great castle? 



(1) Note. — Sometimes written Chavaguac. 



10 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 




STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 11 

His father, Marquis de Lafayette, was a colonel 
of grenadiers and was killed in tlie battle of 
xMinden. Soon after this Lafayette^ was born,^ 
and, succeeding to his father's title, became Mar- 
quis de Lafayette in his stead. 

Lafayette was a delicate infant, giving little 
promise of the strong, vigorous constitution 
which was his in after years; but he had good 
care from his loving relatives, and the pure 
breezes, blowing over the hill -tops, brought health 
and strength to the baby marquis. 

Little Lafayette had a long name, for, besides 
his title, they called him Marie Jean Paul Joseph 
Roche Yves Gilbert du Motier. I wonder how 
old he was before he could remember it all. 

When Lafayette was a boy, he took great de- 
light in listening to tales of glorious deeds ; and 
he was ever planning that, like the knights of 
old, he would travel all over the world, rescue 
the oppressed and acquire great renown. 

He was brave even as a little child, and when 
he was only eight years old, he heard people 
talking of a wild beast which had done great in- 
jury in the neighborhood. This did not make 
him afraid ; on the contrary, the hope of meeting 
it was, for some time, the object of all his daily 
walks. 



(') Note. — The French form of the name is La Fayette. 
(^) Note. — Lafayette's own account 



12 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 

His mother was Marie Louise Julie de la 
Riviere, daughter of the wealthy Marquis de la 
Riviere, She was a good woman and she took 
care of her boy till he was about twelve years 
old, then they went to the great city of Paris and 
she put him in the College du Plessis. 

Of his college days he says himself, "When 
I arrived at college, nothing ever interrupted my 
studies except my ardent wish of studying with- 
out restraint. I never deserved to be chastised; 
but, in spite of my usual gentleness, it would 
have been dangerous to have attempted to do so." 

At the college he received a good education, 
and he not only studied the lessons in his books, 
but also learned to ride and use his sword, and 
many other things useful in war. 

There is only one letter preserved of those 
written before his marriage. This one was sent 
to his cousin, Mademoiselle de Chavaniac, when 
he was fourteen years of age. Perhaps you would 
like to read parts of it. It begins: — 

''I have just received, my dear cousin, your letter, and 
the good account you give me of my grandmother's 
health. After that, which was what first touched my 
heart, I was much interested by the account of the hunt 
of the proprietor of the forests of I^ata. I should like 
very much to know v/hether those dogs, that neither 
walk nor bark, contributed to the success of the expedi- 
tion. The details of that hunt would have amused me 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 13 

very much; if I had been speaking to you of a new- 
fashioned cap, I should have thought it my duty to have 
described to you its figure and proportions, with a com- 
pass in my hand." 

After discussing some family matters, the let- 
ter closes : — 

"Adieu, dear cousin; my respects, if you please, to all 
the family; M. de Fayon presents his to 3'ou, and I re- 
main, your obedient servant, Lafayette." 

Two years after this, his dear mother and his 
grandfather died, and he came into a very large 
fortune. 



t i STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 



Life at Court. 



Soon after this, lie left college and became a 
page to the Queen, Marie Leczinska. 

This was an age of great luxury for the nobil- 
ity, and there was excessive extravagance in the 
dress of the Court. Ladies wore very high heels, 
long trains and powdered their hair; and the 
fine gentlemen, besides wearing silk, velvet and 
lace rufEes, sported immense wigs which were 
most carefully curled. 

Louis XV was king at this time, and to his 
extravagant and tyrannical reign may be attrib- 
uted much of the anarchy and disorder which 
followed. 

While Lafayette was a page, it was his duty 
to live at the palace and to perform the little 
tasks which were entrusted-^to his care. 

There was much to spoil him in the life 
at Court, but Lafayette was so polite and oblig- 
ing and his manners were so mild and affable 
that the Queen was well pleased and, as soon as 
he was old enough, she had him appointed lieu- 
tenant in the Royal Musketeers, which was the 
king's own guard. 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 15 



Lafayette at the Age of Sixteen. 

In 1774, when only sixteen years old, Lafayette 
married a noble French lady — a daughter of the 
Duke of Ayen, He received a large fortune with 
her in addition to that which he already pos- 
sessed, and many in his place would have been 
content to enjoy the pleasures and luxuries of 
life at Court; but Lafayette continued in the 
army, for in those days they thought there was 
no life so fine as that of a soldier. 

At this period of his life Lafayette was very 
distinguished-looking, notwithstanding his deep 
red hair. His forehead was fine, his eyes were 
hazel and his mouth and chin were delicate in 
outline — suggesting beauty rather than strength. 

His generous and gallant spirit gave an inspir- 
ing expression to his countenance, in which 
might be discovered traces of that pride which 
was his by birthright. 

He was about five feet eleven inches in height, 
his manners frank and friendly, his movements 
light and graceful, and his heart burning with 
the enthusiasm of youth for freedom and the 
rights of man. 



16 STORY OP LAFAYETTE. 



Lafayette's Interest in Our Struggle for 
Freedom. 

In 1776, we find him on duty at Metz,and one 
day lie met at dinner the Duke of Gloucester, a 
brother of King George III. There he heard of 
the Declaration of Independence and other stir- 
ring events which had just occurred in our 
country. 

Lafayette became very anxious to go over 
to help us. He felt great devotion for the prin- 
ciples of "liberty," as did many other young 
Frenchmen, and besides they wished to revenge 
themselves on the Bnglish, who had beaten 
France in a great war, called The Seven Years' 
War. 

France helped the Americans with money, 
arms and ammunition, but they had to send this 
help secretly for fear of more trouble with Eng- 
land. 

Lafayette made up his mind that this was not 
enough, and in December, 1776, he met an in- 
fluential American in Paris, named Silas Deane, 
who was there for the purpose of obtaining as- 
sistance for us from the French. 

He offered his services, but our envoys were 
so discouraged by our reverses in New Jersey 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE). 



17 



that they had little hope, and told him that they 
were not able to charter a vessel to send him 



over. 



Lafayette showed his noble spirit when he re- 
plied, "Now, then, is precisely the moment to 




LAFAYETTE OFFERING HIS SERVICES TO FRANKLIN. 

serve your cause; the more people are discour- 
aged, the greater utility will result from my 
departure ; and, if you cannot furnish me with a 
vessel, I will freight one at my own expense to 
convey your dispatches and my person to the 
shores of America." 



18 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 

Silas Deane now wrote a letter for him to give 
Congress. In this he told who Lafayette was, 
and asked for a major-general's commission for 
him. At this time he was a youth of barely 
nineteen, but his ardor in the cause more than 
counter-balanced his lack of experience. 

Lafayette bought a vessel and proceeded to fit 
it out with stores which would be of service to 
the Americans. Though it was a good ship for 
those times, it was just a plain wooden sailing 
vessel. What do you think they would have 
said in those days, if they could have seen our 
Oregon ? 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 19 



Departure for America. 

Lafayette was obliged to get ready secretly, 
for the Court, learning of his intention to go to 
America, ordered his arrest. 

Having been warned that a government mes- 
senger had been dispatched after him, Lafayette 
lost not a moment in setting sail, so that the or- 
ders of his sovereign did not reach him till the 
ship arrived at Passage, which was a port in Spain. 

He returned to Bordeaux to justify his con- 
duct but was far more afflicted by the grief of his 
young wife and his friends, than by the displea- 
sure of the Court. 

Finally, in disguise, he rejoined his ship, and 
April 26th, 1777, he set sail for America. 

You will be interested in the following extract 
from a letter written on shipboard to his wife, 
Madame de Lafayette: — 

On Board The Victory, 7th June. 

"Whilst defending the liberty I adore, I shall enjoy 
perfect freedom myself ; I but offer my services to that 
interesting republic from motives of the purest kind, un- 
mixed with ambition or private views; her happiness and 
my glory are my only incentives to the task. 

I hope that, for my sake, you will become a good Am- 
erican, for that feeling is worthy of every noble heart. 



20 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 

The happiness of America is intimately connected with 
the happiness of all mankind; she will become the safe 
and respected asylum of virtue, integrity, toleration, 
equality, and tranquil happiness." 

Truly, these were prophetic words to have 
been uttered by the slight stripling of nineteen. 

How it must have rejoiced his heart to have 
seen on the occasion of his last visit even a par- 
tial realization of his vision. 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 21 

Lafayette in the New World. 

DeKalb and eleven other foreigners accom- 
panied him, and after a voyage of seven weeks, 
they landed at Georgetown, South Carolina. He 
ascended the river in a canoe, and, when at length 
he stepped upon American soil, he swore he 
would conquer or die in the attempt. 

He landed at midnight at the house of Major 
Huger. At first the party was taken for mar- 
auders, but finally understanding who they 
were, they were welcomed by Major Huger and 
his family, with whom a friendship was formed 
which lasted for life. 

In the morning he awoke charmed with the 
novelty of all that surrounded him; the mosquito 
nettings on his bed, the black servants, the lux- 
uriant southern vegetation — such a pleasant 
change from his long voyage — all delighted him, 
and the warm welcome of his hosts served to 
make him feel completely at home. 

Proceeding to Charleston, he was there received 
with the utmost kindness and, accompanied by 
six officers, set out for Philadelphia. 

Extract from a letter to Madame de Lafayette: — 
June 19th, 1777 — Charleston. 

* * * "I shall now speak to you, my love, about 
the country and its inhabitants, who are as agreeable as 
my enthusiasm had led me to imagine. 



22 STORY OF LAPAYKTTE;. 

"Simplicity of manner, kindness of heart, love of coun- 
try and of liberty, and a delightful state of equality, are 
met with universally. The richest and the poorest man are 
completely on a level; and although there are some immense 
fortunes in this country, I may challenge anyone to point 
out the slightest difference in their respective manner to- 
wards each other. I first saw and judged of a country 
life at Major Huger's house; I am at present in the city, 
where everything somewhat resembles the English. cus- 
toms, except that you find more simplicity here than 
you do in England. 

"Charleston is one of the best built, handsomest, 
and most agreeable cities that I have ever seen. 

"The American women are very pretty, and have 
great simplicity of character, and the extreme neatness of 
their appearance is truly delightful; cleanliness is every- 
where even more studiously attended to here than in 
England. What gives me most pleasure is to sea how 
completely the citizens are all brethern of one family." 

There were no railroads to make travel easy 
in those days, and they were over a month on 
the journey, for, to reach Congress, Lafayette was 
obliged to ride nearly nine hundred miles on 
horseback. 

In regard to this trip, Lafayette writes thus 
jokingly to his wife: — 

"You know that I set out in a brilliant manner in a 
carriage, and I must now tell you that we are all on 
horseback — having broken the carriage, according to my 
usual praiseworthy custom — and I hope soon to write to 
you that we have arrived on foot." 



STORY OF i^apavette;. 23 



Lafayette in Philadelphia. 

Congress was in session at this time, and on 
his arrival Ivafayette presented the letter from 
Silas Deane. 

So many foreigners had applied for commis- 
sions that Lafayette's reception was rather cool, 
but nothing daunted he sent Congress the follow- 
ing note: — 

"After the sacrifices I have made, I have the right to 
exact two favors: one is, to serve at my own expense, the 
other is to serve as a volunteer." 

The style of this note was so different from 
that to which they were accustomed, that it 
aroused attention, and finally, in a very flatter- 
ing resolution, Congress granted him a commis- 
sion as major-general. 

The very next day he met Washington, and 
they became friends for life. He was invited by 
the Commander-in-Chief to consider the head- 
quarters as his home. This kind invitation he 
accepted in the same spirit in which it was given. 
He joined Washington's army and served as aide 
upon the staff; he took his meals at Washing- 
ton's table, and was loved and treated as though 
he were Washington's own son. 



24 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 



Brandy wine—September 11, 1777. 

Though the Americans were better prepared 
for skirmishing than for a decisive battle, Wash- 
ington deferred orders received from Congress, 
and at a council of war it was decided that the 
army should proceed to the Brandywine. 

The ford in the stream was called Chad's ford, 
and it was there that the Americans awaited the 
battle. The protection of Philadelphia depended 
upon the result of the contest. 

The American forces, though estimated at 
15,000, owing to lack of proper food, clothing 
and shelter, were reduced to less than 11,000 
effective men. 

The British were commanded by Sir William 
Howe, assisted by Lord Corn wallis. Th eir troops 
were in fine condition and well armed. They 
advanced in two divisions, attacking both the 
right and left wings of the American army. 

The Americans fought with great valor, but 
finally were obliged to give way and retreat, 
and, as a result. Lord Cornwallis entered Phila- 
delphia, September 26th, 1777, at the head of 
the British and Hessian forces. 

It was at this battle, while endeavoring to 
rally the retreating men, that Lafayette received 



tr"^'-' 



\ 







23 



26 STORY OF LAFAYETT^a. 

a severe wound in the leg. He had shown the 
greatest bravery, especiall]/ in the execution of 
orders, and had exposed himself to the greatest 
dangers without hesitation; and even after he 
was wounded, he continued fighting and car- 
ing for his men. 

General Washington arriving with fresh 
troops, Lafayette prepared to join him, but loss 
of blood compelled him to stop and have his 
wound bandaged. His faithful aide-de-camp, 
Gimat, helped him upon his horse ; but it was 
not till the retreating army reached Chester, a 
distance of twelve miles, that Lafayette had leis- 
ure to have his wound dressed. 

Lafayette was conveyed to Philadelphia. 
Though in great trouble themselves, the citizens 
were interested in his extreme youth, and were 
very kind to him. 

That same night Congress decided to leave the 
city, and the patriots were obliged to abandon 
their possessions, whole families taking refuge 
in the mountains. Those were, indeed, dark 
days for our dear country. 

Finally Lafayette was taken to Bethlehem, 
where the Moravian brothers nursed him with 
great kindness for over six weeks. Of the good 
care he received he speaks most gratefully, in a 
letter to his wife : — 



STORY OF i.afaye;tt^. 2? 

"Be perfectly at ease about my wound; all the faculty in 
America are engaged in my service. I have a friend who 
has spoken to them in such a manner, that I am certain of 
being well attended to ; that friend is General Washington. 

' "This excellent man, whose talents and virtue I admired 
and whom I have learned to revere as I know him better, 
has now become my intimate friend ; his affectionate in- 
terest in me instantly won my heart. I am established in 
his home, and we live together Hke two attached 
brothers, with mutual confidence and cordiality. 

"This friendship renders me as happy as I can possibly 
be in this country. When he sent his best surgeon to me, 
he told him to take charge of me as if I were his son, 
because he loved me with the same affection. 

"Having heard that I wished to rejoin the Army too 
soon, he wrote me a letter full of tenderness, in which he 
requested me to attend to the perfect restoration of my 
health. I give you these details, my dearest love, that 
you may be quite certain of the care that is taken of me." 

As soon as he was able to be out, he was 
fighting again, and, in November, near Glouces- 
ter Point, with three hundred men, he defeated 
a superior force of Hessians.* 

For this great service he was appointed to 
command a division of Washington's army. He 
was now in the midst of the struggle and con- 
ducted all matters assigned to him with good 
judgment as well as great bravery, and for his 
efforts in the campaign he received a vote of 
thanks from Congress. 

(*NoTii— November J,=ith in a reconnaissance of General Greene against 
Cornwallis' position at Gloucester Point.) 



2S STORY OF LAFAYETTB. 



Valley Forge— 1777-78. 

Sharing the joys, he also shared the sorrows 
of the American forces, and the gloomy days of 
Valley Forge found him beside Washington. 

Though used to the luxuries of a Court, 
he submitted cheerfully to all privations. His 
heart bled for the suffering soldiers. As he 
writes: — "They had neither coats, hats, shirts, 
nor shoes ; their feet and legs froze till they be- 
came black, and it was often necessary to am- 
putate them. The Colonels were often reduced 
to two rations and sometimes even to one. The 
army frequently remained whole da37S without 
provisions, and the patient endurance of both 
soldiers and ofi&cers was a miracle." 

But the sacred fire of liberty was not extin- 
guished, and the inspiration of such men as 
Washington and Lafayette overcame all discour- 
agements. 

While he was at Valley Forge, Lafayette's 
heart was saddened by the news of the death of 
his little daughter, Henriette. The following 
extract is from a letter to his wife: — 

"The loss of our poor child is almost constantly in my 
thoughts; and whilst my heart was torn by grief, I was 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 29 

obliged to receive and take part iu expressions of public 
joy." 

But putting aside his private griefs, he con- 
tinued to give his best efforts for the success of 
our cause. 



30 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 




HILT OF LAFAYETTE'S SWORD, 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 31 



Failure of the Expedition to Canada— 1778. 

In January, Congress resolved that an attack 
should be made upon Canada, and Lafayette 
was selected to lead the expedition. 

He accepted the responsibility, but instead of 
selfishly grasping at the power which was offered 
him, he made it a condition that he should re- 
main subordinate to General Washington, and 
simply be considered as an ofi&cer detached from 
him. 

These requests were granted, and he was or- 
dered to proceed to Montreal and act there as 
circumstances should require. 

Traveling in winter presented many hardships 
in those days, but undeterred by the obstacles of 
ice and snow, Lafayette set out for Albany and 
rapidly traveled on horseback over four hundred 
miles. 

Resting at night at the various farm houses, 
he had an opportunity to see the home life of 
our people. He was charmed with the simplicity 
of the inhabitants and their purity of character, 
and he pays in his letters a beautiful tribute to 
American womanhood. 

Arriving in Albany, he met with disappoint- 
ments. Instead of twenty-five hundred men there 



32 STORY OF I^AFAYETTE. 

were not twelve hundred, and supplies of food, 
clothing and sledges for the journey were all 
insuificient. A grave responsibility confronted 
our young general of twenty, which well might 
have embarrassed older heads. 

Forced to decisive action, he had the good 
judgment to renounce the expedition; and though 
some blamed him at the time, his prudence in 
the matter was finally recognized, and he re- 
ceived the thanks of congress and of General 
Gates, the minister of war. 



STORY OF I.AFAYBTTE. 33 



Among the Indians. 

War is always a fearful thing, but the atro- 
cites of that time were almost beyond descrip- 
tion. The Hurons and Iroquois, most ferocious 
of the Indian tribes, were encouraged to ravage 
the whole frontier, and the Americans were ex- 
posed to all the horrors of savage warfare. 

Villages were burnt, harvests destroyed, and 
inhabitants were massacred. Old men and wo- 
men and even little babes fell beneath the cruel 
tomahawk. No consideration was shown to 
either age or sex. 

Lafayette had not a force sufficiently large to 
garrison the whole frontier, but he contrived to 
spread the rumor that troops were to be dis- 
patched in various directions, and the savages, 
hearing this, in some measure ceased their de- 
predations. In his efforts he received able as- 
sistance from Governor Clinton, who was then 
governor of the State of New York. 

Soon after a general assembly of the tribes 
was called by Schuyler and Duane of Johnstown, 
on the Mohawk river. Lafayette, desirous of 
reviving the old friendship which the Indians 
had felt for the French, proceeded thither in a 
sledge. 



34 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 

What a strange scene it must have been! 
Over five hundred men, women and children 
were assembled. Their half clothed bodies were 
decorated with various colored paints; the lobes 
of their ears were cut and their noses were orna- 
mented with rings; strings and belts of wampum 
adorned their persons, and feathers of various 
kinds were stuck in their coarse, black hair. 

Lafayette succeeded in his plans, and at the 
Council he was adopted by them, and received 
the name of Kayewla. This name had formerly 
belonged to one of their bravest warriors, and by 
it Lafayette was known to all the savage tribes. 

A treaty was entered into, which some at least 
respected, and a French ofi&cer named Gouviou 
was left in charge. Lafayette distributed many 
little gifts, and it was said that "His words and 
necklaces were equally respected." 

With the return of spring Lafayette was 
recalled to the south, where he found affairs 
with General Washington in a more flourishing 
condition. 

The most important event of the winter had 
been the acknowledgement by France on Feb- 
ruary 6th, 1778, of American independence. 
This was largely due to the efforts and letters of 
the Marquis de Lafayette, who never failed to 
exert all his personal and family influence in 
our favor. 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 35 

Barren Hill. 

In England, the news of Burgoyne's surren- 
der had produced great alarm, and fearing for 
the safety of their army in Philadelphia, General 
Clinton was ordered to New York. 

Lafayette was sent with a detachment of two 
thousand picked men to take his position at a 
station half way between Philadelphia and Valley 
Forge. 

Owing to the retirement of General Porter's 
division, which was to have guarded Lafayette's 
left wing, the English were enabled to almost 
entirely surround his forces. 

They felt so certain of capturing him that 
they sent several invitations to an entertainment 
at which, they said, he would be present; but see- 
ing the (ganger, he maneuvered so skillfully that 
he gained the only ford across the Schuylkill 
river, and passed it in the presence of the enemy 
without the loss of a single man. 

The English then returned to Philadelphia, 
having had their labor for their pains, and were 
laughed at for their ill-success in the matter. 

On the 17th of June, the glorious anniversary 
of Bunker Hill, Philadelphia was evacuated by 
the British, and the patriots of that city rejoiced 
in their freedom from the presence of the eneni) . 



36 STORY OP LAFAYKTTB. 



Assistance from France. 

Twelve French vessels, under the Count 
d'Bstaing, which had been three months in reach- 
ing the Delaware, arrived three days after the 
departure of the English fleet. They followed it 
to Sandy Hook and anchored outside the bar. 
This led to difficulties, as they were unable to 
cross the bar, owing to the large size of their 
vessels. Finally the French decided to attack 
Rhode Island, where there was a large force of 
English and Hessians. 

By prompt action they might have accom- 
plished something, but, yielding to the entreaties 
of Sullivan, they agreed to delay till he had his 
division in readiness. 

This proved disastrous, as it gave the English 
time to add to their fleet. Finally the two 
squadrons met, but mischance followed, and a 
violent storm came up which dispersed the ships. 

At length d'Estaing collected his vessels and, 
faithful to his promise, appeared before Rhode 
Island, but he no longer possessed the strongest 
force and decided to go to Boston. 

Lafayette was deeply troubled by this ill- 
fortune, and, in company with General Greene, 
went on board the ship of the French admiral. ' 



STORY OF I.AFAYETTE. 37 

They tried to induce him to make an immedi- 
ate attack or to station his vessels in Providence 
River; but in the council which followed this 
was deemed inexpedient, and it was decided that 
the fleet should proceed to Boston. 

The French admiral offered Lafayette his two 
battalions, but, feeling that they might be useful 
on board and unwilling to expose them to un- 
necessary danger to further his own private in- 
terests, Lafayette as usual unselfishly declined. 

At the departure of the vessels great disap- 
pointment and irritation was felt by the militia. 
General Sullivan even inserted in a military 
order, ''Our allies have abandoned us." This, 
Lafayette, anxious that justice should be done to 
his countrymen, insisted should be retracted, 
which was finally done. 

Still hoping for valuable aid from the fleet, 
Lafayette was sent to d'Bstaing. Traveling all 
night, he reached Boston just as d'Bstaing and 
his of&cers were entering the town. 

At the conference which followed the admiral 
proved that his fleet was not powerful enough to 
hope for success, but offered to march himself at 
the head of his men. 

Owing to the unexpected arrival of Eng- 
lish reinforcements at Rhode Island, the Ameri- 
cans were compelled to retreat, and Lafayette 



38 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 



returned just in time to find a detachment of 
over a thousand men nearly surrounded by the 
enemy. 

He undertook the command and succeeded in 
getting them to a place of safety without the loss 
of a single man. For this masterly movement 
he received the thanks of Congress, and soon 
after rejoined the principal corps of the army at 
Philadelphia. 




THE HUDSON RIVER NEAR WEST POINT. 



STORY OF Lafayette;. 39 



Lafayette Returns to France — 1779. 

Finding that the assistance rendered by France 
to the United States was likely to involve his 
nation in war with England, Lafayette decided 
to return to his native land. 

It also seemed that he could help the Ameri- 
cans more at this time by being in Paris. 

How glad he must have been of a chance to 
see his young wife again, and the dear friends 
from whom he had been parted so long. 

Though he was granted leave of absence by 
Congress the preceding October owing to severe 
illness, he did not get away till January 11th, 
1779. 

He sailed from Boston in the American ship 
"Alliance." She was a good vessel, but sailors 
being scarce, they were obliged to take a rough 
crew. These men made a plot to seize the ship and 
murder all on board except Lafayette. The 
wretches expected to take him a prisoner to Eng- 
land, and receive a large reward from the British 
government. 

They nearly succeeded in their base design, as 
Lafayette only received information of the plot 
about an hour befere the time set for its execu- 
tion. He seized thirty of the ringleaders and 



40 STORY OP LAFAYETT:e. 

put tbem in irons; then the voyage was contin- 
ued in safety. 

He arrived in Paris on February 12th, 1779, 
and, although only twenty-two years old, he had 
already written his name high on the roll of 
fame. 

In October, 1778, in recognition of Lafayette's 
services, congress had ordered that a beautiful 
sword should be presented to him. Upon the 
sword were represented the places where he had 
fought, Monmouth, Barren Hill, Gloucester and 
Rhode Island. America, delivered from her 
chains, was offering a branch of laurels to a 
youthful warrior, and there were other symbolic 
devices. 

This is Lafayette's own description of the 
sword which was delivered to him during his 
visit in Paris, by a grandson of Benjamin 
Franklin. 

The estimate which Washington placed upon 
Lafayette's service is shown in the following 
letter from General Washington to Benjamin 
Franklin, American Minister in France. (Ori- 
ginal.) 

Phii^ADELPHIA, 28th December, 1778. 
Sir:— 

The Marquis de Lafayette, having served with dis- 
tinction in the army of the United States for two cam- 
paigns, has been determined by the prospect of an 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 41 

European war to return to his native country. It Ls 
with pleasure that I embrace the opportunity of intro- 
ducing to your personal acquaintance a gentleman whose 
merit cannot have left him unknown to you by reputation. 
The generous motives which first induced him to cross 
the Atlantic; the tribute which he paid to gallantry at the 
Brandywine; his success in Jersey, before he had recov- 
ered from his wound in an affair where he commanded 
militia against British grenadiers; the brilliant retreat, 
by which he eluded a combined manoeuvre of the British 
forces in the last campaign; his services in the enterprise 
against Rhode Island are such proofs of his zeal, military 
ardor and talents, as have greatly endeared him to Amer- 
ica, and must greatly recommend him to his prince. 

Coming with so many titles to claim your esteem, it 
were needless, for any other purpose than to indulge my 
own feelings, to add, that I have a very particular friend- 
ship for him; and that, whatever services you may have 
it in your power to render him, will confer an obligation 
on one who has the honour to be — with the greatest es- 
teem, regard, and respect, sir. 

Your obedient servant, 

George Washington. 

During his stay in Paris, Lafayette was the 
tie between France and America, and enjoying 
the love and confidence of both nations he ex- 
erted all his powerful influence in favor of our 
struggling patriots; and he devoted himself to 
giving a clear idea of the state of affairs in 
America to the French Court. 

He succeeded so well that France sent us six 



42 



STORY OP LAFAYETTE. 



thousand troops under Count Rochambeau, and 
Admiral De Ternay with seven ships of the line 
and a number of frigates set sail for Rhode Island. 
These forces by Lafayette's request were placed 
expressly under Washington's comraand. 




'^^ 



MOUNT VERNOM.— WHERE WASHINGTON ENTERTAINED LAFAYETTE. 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 43 



Lafayette's Return to America. 

All this was kept secret, and Lafayette arrived 
in Boston on the French frigate, Hermione, be- 
fore either the Americans or English had knowl- 
edge of what he had accomplished. 

He again offered his services to Congress, 
which were accepted at once in a flattering res- 
olution. 

The good news which he brought inspired the 
nation with new courage. About the middle of 
June the expected troops arrived at Rhode Island 
m company with De Ternay and his fleet. 

This caused great rejoicing, but the American 
army being unprepared for immediate active 
operations, nothing decisive occurred for some 
little time. 



44 STORY OF LAFAYETTK. 



The Treason of Benedict Arnold. 

But the year 1780 is particularly memorable 
for the treason of Benedict Arnold. Great as 
were the bribes offered, he was the only one who 
could be found willing to sell his country for 
money. 

Arnold had fought bravely in former cam- 
paigns, and having been wounded, was given 
command of Philadelphia after the British left 
that city. There he lived beyond his means arid 
appropriated public money to pay his debts. 

An investigation having been ordered, he was 
reprimanded. For this he resolved to have 
revenge, and being placed, by his own request, 
in command of West Point, he found there his 
opportunity. 

This stronghold he offered to betray to the 
British, and correspondence in regard to the 
matter had gone on for some time, but to 
make more sure of the money, Arnold desired to 
meet with some English oiBcer and General 
Clinton sent the ill-fated Andre. 

Andre and Arnold met about six miles from 
West Point and exchanged their documents — 
Andre hiding his in his stockings for greater 
security. On his way back to camp he was 



STORY OP LAFAYETTE. 45 

captured by three Americans, and upon searching 
him they found the fatal papers. 

They conducted him to North Castle, and the 
commander unsuspectingly wrote to Arnold, 
telling him of Andre's arrest. This information 
enabled Arnold to make good his escape to the 
British lines. 

Lafayette had been appointed to command the 
van of Washington's army, and he reached 
West Point with Washington on the very day 
on which this treason was discovered; he stood 
beside Washington when the messenger arrived, 
bearing the proofs of Arnold's treachery; when 
Washington had read the documents, it was to 
Lafayette he turned and exclaimed, "Whom can 
we trust now?" 

Lafayette wrote the following letter to his wife, 
telling of Arnold's treason: 

On the Hackensack River, 

October 8th, 1780. 

You will learn, my dearest love, an important event 
which has exposed America to the greatest danger. A 
frightful conspiracy has been planned by the celebrated 
Arnold: he sold to the English the fort of West Point, 
which was under his command, consequently the whole 
navigation of the river; the plot was within an ace of 
succeeding, and quite as many chances combined together 
to discover it as in that affair of the Alliance, which I have 
so often described to you.* 

*The conspiracy discovered on board the frigate which brought home 
Marquis de I,afayette iu September, 1779. 



46 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 

After our journey to Hartford, General Washington 
passed by West Point, which was not on his road; but he 
was desirous of showing me the works that had been con- 
structed since my departure for France. 

Detained by various accidents upon the road, we arrived 
at the traitor's house just as he received the letter which 
announced that he had bee7i discovered. 

He had not time to intercept these proofs of infamy, 
and consequently he could only make his escape towards 
New York half an hour before our arrival. 

Great sympathy was felt for Andre and La- 
fayette had the sad task of being one of the board 
of fourteen generals who condemned him to die 
as a spy. 

Andre met his death like a brave man. Arn- 
old was safe with the British and received the 
reward of his dishonor in being made a briga- 
dier-general ; but he was despised even by those 
who were to have benefited by his treachery. 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 47 



Lafayette's New Command. 

Lafayette was now in command of a fine body 
of some two thousand picked men, and the next 
few months found him busy fighting and plan- 
ning to help our country. 

His troops were good men, but he found they 
were not well supplied with tents, and many had 
to spend their nights in the cold air ; their cloth- 
ing was poor and scanty, and some had neither 
hats, shirts nor shoes. 

He could not bear to see the men suffer and so 
he purchased in Baltimore what they needed, and 
paid in drafts on France, which he endorsed him- 
self for greater security. 

With some of the money thus obtained from 
the Baltimore merchants, Lafayette bought a 
quantity of linen ; and Baltimore ladies, whom he 
met at a ball, offered to make it into shirts for 
his men. The women, as well as the men, were 
willing to do what they could to help the glori- 
ous cause of freedom. 

After his treachery at West Point, Benedict 
Arnold was given a command by the English, 
and at this time was ravaging Virginia. 

Washington hoped that the Marquis, as he 
was called, might be able to capture the traitor, 



48 STORY OF I, A FAYETTE. 

and in January, 1781, with twelve hundred men 
of the regular army, Lafayette marched to the 
relief of the suffering people of Virginia. 

The task was difficult and dangerous and the 
men began to desert. We cannot wonder when 
we remember that the men were suffering from 
various diseases brought on by their lack of even 
the common necessaries of life. 

To stop the desertions Lafayette issued an 
order telling them of the dangers of the expedi- 
tion and saying that those who wished to go 
away might do so instantly. 

This reached the hearts of the men, and after 
that not one would leave him ; in fact, one under 
officer, who had a sore leg, followed in a hired 
cart so as not to be left behind. 

One who had offered his life in our cause 
would not be likely to withhold his money, and 
it was proved, that, "By accounts exacted in 
France, during times of terror and proscription, 
Lafayette had spent in the service of the 
American revolution, independent of his income, 
more than seven hundred thousand francs ($135,- 
000) of his capital."* 



*Note of M. de I,afayette. 



STORY OF i,afaye;tte. 49 



The Closing Days of the War. 

Our little story would be a large book if we 
should undertake to tell all that Lafayette did 
during the next few months. 

Once Lord Cornwallis pursued him with a 
force so large that Cornwallis wrote : "The boy 
can not escape me." But though "the boy" was 
young, he had an old head on his young shoul- 
ders, and managed so wisely that he escaped the 
danger and, crossing the Rapidan, soon had his 
men in a strong position. 

The closing days of our struggle for freedom 
were now at hand. Lord Cornwallis, in com- 
mand of a strong force, continued his retreat to 
Yorktown. Lafayette took up his position at 
Malvern Hill. 

Washington, with Count Rochambeau and the 
French forces, reached the head of Chesapeake 
Bay on September 5th, 1781, the same on which 
the French fleet under De Grasse had beaten the 
British fleet and driven them from Virginian 
waters. 

Cornwallis was now almost surrounded by 
Washington's forces on land and the French 
fleet at the mouth of the river, but there was 
just a chance that if he heard of Washington's 



50 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 

movements lie might escape across the James. 
This, Lafayette sought to prevent, and joined 
by the troops brought by the French fleet, he 
took up his stand at Williamsburg across the 
peninsula. 

Washington arrived September 14th at Lafay- 
ette's headquarters and took command. Closer 
and closer their allied forces surrounded the 
enemy — escape was impossible, and on the nine- 
teenth of October Cornwallis surrendered with all 
his men and our long battle for freedom was won. 

The terms of the capitulation having been 
arranged, — "General Lincoln, who had given up 
his sword to Cornwallis at Charleston, was ap- 
pointed to receive the surrender of the British 
Troops. 

"At about twelve o'clock, the combined army 
was drawn up in two lines, more than a mile 
in length — the Americans on the right side of 
the road, the French on the left. 

"Washington, mounted on a noble steed and 
attended by his staff, was in front of the former; 
the Count de Rochambeau and his suite were in 
front of the latter. 

"The French troops, in complete uniform and 
well equipped, made a brilliant appearance, and 
had marched to the ground with a band of music 
playing, which was a novelty in the American 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 51 

service. The concourse of spectators from the 
country seemed equal in number to the military, 
yet silence and order prevailed. "" * * 

"The garrison defiled between the two lines, 
beyond which they formed in order of battle and 
piled their arms." 

These are the accounts given by eyewitnesses. 
No wonder the defeated army felt the deepest 
mortification, for the heroes of many battles had 
been beaten by those whom they had always 
considered their inferiors, but America was 
henceforth to take a new place in the estimation 
of the world. 

Lord Cornwallis could not bear to witness the 
surrender, and pleading illness, he deputed Gen- 
eral O'Hara to take his place. Accordingly, 
General O'Hara, at the head of his men, surren- 
dered his sword to General Washington. He 
did not like to give his sword to Washington. 
When he came up he presented it first to the 
French general, who, bowing, said that the 
French army were only auxiliaries, and that it 
was for the American general to give the orders. 

We can scarcely realize the joy of our men, 
and to General Lafayette we can not give too 
much gratitude, for it was due to his influence and 
unceasing efforts^ that the help came from France 
which enabled us to win this decisive victory. 



52 STORY OF I.AFAYE;TT:e. 



Lafayette's Return to France. 

Lafayette sailed for France again in December. 
You may like to read a letter which he wrote 
just before his departure. 

To GENERAL Washington. 

( Original. ) 
Aliance, off Boston, 

December 2ist, 1781. 
My Dear General; — 

I am sorry to think we are not yet gone, and there still 
remain some doubts of our going to-morrow. This delay 
I lament not so much on private accounts as I do on the 
account of our next campaign, in the planning of which, 
your opinion, as I shall deliver it, must be of the greatest 
use to the common cause. As to the department of 
foreign affairs, I shall be happy to justify the confidence of 
Congress, by giving my opinion to the best of my power 
whenever it is asked for; but the affair of finances will, I 
fear, be a difficult point for the American minister, in 
which, however, I shall be happy to help him with my 
utmost exertions. The moment I arrive in France, I will 
write to you minutely how things stand, and give j'ou the 
best accounts in my power. 

I have received every mark of affection in Boston, and 
am much attached to this town, to which I owe so many 
obligations; but, from public considerations, I have been 
impatient \0 leave it and go on board the frigate, where 
I receive all possible civilities, but where I would rather 
be under sail than at anchor. 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 53 

I beg your pardon, my dear general, for giving you so 
much trouble in reading my scrawls; but we are going to 
sail, and my last adieu, I must dedicate to my dear gen- 
eral. I know your heart so well, that I am sure that no 
distance can alter your attachment to me. With the 
same candour, I assure you that my love, my respect, 
my gratitude for 3"OU, are above expression; that at the 
moment of leaving you, I felt more than ever the strength 
of those friendly ties that forever bind me to you, and 
that I anticipate the pleasure, the most wished for pleas- 
ure, to be again with you, and by my zeal and services 
to gratify the feelings of my respect and affection. Will 
3'ou be pleased to present my compliments and respects to 
Mrs. Washington, and to remember me to General Knox 
and General Lincoln. 

Adieu, my dear General; your respectful and tender 
friend, 

Lafayette. 

He sailed on the same ship "Alliance," whicli 
had carried him before, but this time he had a 
peaceful passage, and on landing in France he 
was greeted with great enthusiasm. 

Thousands of Frenchmen and Spaniards were 
collected for a new army, but before the exped- 
ition was ready came the welcome news of peace. 

When Lafayette returned to France the king 
made him field-marshal in the French army. 

This position corresponded to his rank as 
Major-general in the American Army. In com- 
pliment to the victory, his commission was dated 
from the fall of Yorktown. 



54 STORY OF lafayejttb;. 

Lafayette assisted Benjamin Franklin and 
our other Commissioners in arranging the terms 
of the treaty with Great Britain, and sent the 
swift Frigate "Triumph" to Philadelphia to tell 
us that the war was over. 



STORY OF LAFAYBTT^. 55 



Lafayette Again Visits America. 

The next year lie came to visit Washington 
at Mount Vernon and travelled through the 
country from Massachusetts to Virginia. 

Mrs. Washington was very fond of the noble 
young Frenchman ; he named his young son 
George Washington. Don't you think that 
must have sounded strange over in Paris where 
the other boys all had French names? 

Lafayette was glad to meet again the soldiers 
with whom he had fought side by side for free- 
dom; and they were glad to meet the friend who 
came so unselfishly from a far land to give us 
his aid. 

In addition to delightful visits in the princi- 
pal cities, where he received every attention that 
respect and affection could devise, he took part 
in the deliberations of the allied nations of 
Indians in regard to a treaty with the United 
States. 

It seems hard to realize the great influence 
which was exerted by this young man, not yet 
twenty-eight years old. It was felt by all, old 
and young, rich and poor; the cultured and the 
savage. 

He had visited the Indians years before, and 



56 STORY OF lafayktte;. 

now, hoping that the words of Kayewla^ as . the 
Indians had called him, might be an assistance, 
the Members of Congress, who were sent to ar- 
range matters at Fort Schuyler, invited Lafay- 
ette to go with them. 

He returned to New York and thence pro- 
ceeded to Albany. Here the city corporation 
unanimously voted to give him all the rights of 
citizenship,''^ and the appropriate documents 
were presented to him in a golden box. There 
was also a superb entertainment and suitable 
addresses. 

The following extract gives an account of the 
meeting: — 

"On the twentieth of September, he embarked on the 
Hudson, accompanied by numerous individuals who were 
anxious to witness the approaching ceremony, and pro- 
ceeded to Fort Schuyler to take part in the talk with the 
Indians. 

"He addressed them with his usual eloquence and skill, 
pointing out the advantages of peace, and the certain de- 
struction that awaited them if they persisted in ravaging 
the frontiers. 

"The words oi Kayewla, for such was the Indian title 
of Lafayette, were received with satisfaction and grati- 
tude even by the untutored savage. 

" 'Father,' replied one of the Mohawk chiefs, 'we have 
heard thy voice, and we rejoice that thou hast visited thy 
children to give them good and necessary advice. Thou 



*NOTE — This was also done in many of the States of the Union. 



STORY OF T.AFAYST'TK. 57 

hast said that we have" done wrong in opening our ears 
to wicked men, and closing our hearts to thy counsels.' 

"'Father! it is all true; we have left the good path, 
we have wandered away from it, and been enveloped in a 
black cloud. We have now returned that thou mayest 
find in us good and faithful children.' 

" 'Father! we rejoice to hear thy voice among us; it 
seems that the great spirit has directed thy footsteps to 
this council of friendship, to smoke the calumet of peace 
and fellowship with thy long lost children.' " 

Washington and Lafayette after this returned 
to Mount Vernon — where the days passed all too 
quickly. Entertainments were given in their 
honor by the people of the neighboring towns. 

Lafayette said farewell to Washington at 
Annapolis, little realizing that they were never 
to meet on earth again. After their parting, 
Washington wrote: 

"In the moment of our separation, and every hour 
since, I have felt all that love, respect and attachment for 
you, with which length of years, close connection and 
your merits have inspired me. 

"I often asked myself as our carriages separated, 
whether that was the last sight I should ever have of you; 
and though I wished to say no, my fears answered yes! 

"I called to mind the days of my youth, and found they 
had fled to return no more; that I was now descending 
the hill I had been fifty years climbing, and that, though 
I was blessed with a good constitution, I was of a short- 
lived family, and might soon expect to be entombed in 
the mansion of my fathers. 



58 STORY OF LAFAYE'TT^. 

"These thoughts darkened the shades and gave a 
gloom to the picture, and consequently to my prospect 
of seeing you again." 

Lafayette arrived at Trenton on the eightli of 
December, having passed through Baltimore and 
Philadelphia on his way. 

Congress was in session at Trenton and he 
desired to take leave of that body. The next 
day Congress, in a most complimentary resolu- 
tion, appointed a committee of one from each 
state to receive the Marquis in the name of Con- 
gress, and to take leave of him. 

Lafayette made a suitable and patriotic reply 
to the resolution of Congress, among other things 
saying: 

"May this immense temple of freedom ever stand a 
lesson to oppressors, an example to the oppressed, and 
a sanctuary for the rights of mankind ! And may these 
happy United States attain that complete splendor and 
prosperity which will illustrate the blessings of their 
government, and for ages to come rejoice the departed 
souls of its founders." 

Lafayette proceeded northward to New York^ 
where, after a short stay in that city, he em- 
barked for France on the frigate La Nymphe, on 
the twenty-fifth day of December, 1784. 

The governor of the state, with a large con- 
course of of&cers and prominent citizens, was 
there to say "good bye" to our honored guest. 



STORY OP LAFAYETTE. 59 

Lafayette had spent some five montlis in the 
country and had had a very happy visit with his 
old commander. 

Everywhere he received tokens of kindness 
and respect from a grateful people; then, this 
pleasure over, he returned to France, where times 
of great trouble were coming. 



60 STORY OF l,AFAYE;TT:e. 



Lafayette in Europe. 

Lafayette returned to Paris in January, 1785, 
and later made visits to the neighboring coun- 
tries. He was received with honors and enter- 
tained by many of the leading princes. 

Strange to say, even old Frederick the Great, 
King of Prussia, seemed to take a fancy to this 
young defender of liberty. During his visit at 
San Souci, Frederick said one day that our re- 
public could not last, that we would return to 
the old ways. 

'^''Never^ sir^ 7iever^'' Lafayette replied; ''''neither 
fnonarchy nor aristocracy can exist in Ame7'-icay 

Frederick exerted himself to entertain Lafay- 
ette, who soon grew to admire, as he says, "the 
vivacity of the king's wit and the charm of his 
graciousness." 

Lafayette writes, "At last I almost forgot he 
was a despot, selfish and severe. Lord Cornwal- 
lis was there. The king placed him next me at 
table, and on his other hand he had the son of 
the King of England; then he asked a thousand 
questions on American affairs." 

Was that not a strange meeting? Do you 
think Cornwallis remembered Yorktown and the 
time he wrote '"''The boy ca7inot escape ?;2^"? 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 61 

But Lafayette could afford to be generous to 
his late foe; his noble heart felt a kindly sym- 
pathy for all who were in trouble or oppressed. 

Many things indicate this. Though by faith 
he was a devout Catholic, he exerted himself in 
behalf of the French Protestants, who differed 
from him so widely; and he also made many 
plans to secure freedom for the negro slaves, and 
wrote to Washington on the latter subject. This 
you may read when you are older. 

Another letter you may enjoy now, showing 
the kind, friendly feeling between the family at 
Paris and the one at Mount Vernon. Washing- 
ton writes: — 

June, 1786. 
"My Dear Marquis: 

You will be astonished to see so ancient a date upon 
the letter which I send you, if I did not sa}^ to you that 
the ship which was to have carried this letter has since 
returned. Nothing new has occurred since then, and I 
would not give you the weariness of a second epistle, if I 
had not forgotten to say to say to you that Madame 
Washington sends to Madame de Lafayette a cask of ham. 

"I know not if these are better, or even as good as 
those in France, but these are of our own making; 
and you know that the ladies of Virginia pride them- 
selves upon the excellence of their ham, and we remember 
that it was a dish much to your taste. She has there- 
fore desired that I offer them to you. 



62 STORY OF LAFAYKTTE. 

' 'After all, these gifts would be more proper to offer as 
a ration after a long march in the rain than to figure upon 
your table in Paris." 

Perliaps Washington was thinking how glad 
the poor soldiers at Valley Forge would have 
been to have had such good fare. But those 
hard days were over and our soldiers, in the land 
they had saved, were enjoying peace and plenty. 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 63 



The French Revolution. 

Though Louis XVI was a good man, a kind 
husband and father, through long years of mis- 
government the people of France were wretched 
and oppressed. 

They had heard the shouts for freedom across 
the sea, and were easily led by unscrupulous 
leaders to think that the time had come for them 
to strike for liberty. 

Lafayette had seen a free people in the new 
world and he wished to give his own land the 
blessings of freedom. 

For a time all went well, but bad people came 
into power, and in all France there was no head 
wise enough, no arm strong enough to control 
the frantic mob. 

In the mad excitement which followed, dread- 
ful deeds were done. Others have told the tale 
of those wild days, we will only touch lightly on 
the events connected with Lafayette. 

He tried to protect the king and his queen, 
Marie Antoinette, but finally they were thrown 
into prison with their two little children. 

After many miseries the king and queen were 
beheaded on the dreadful guillotine, and many 



64 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 

thousands of innocent persons suffered the same 
horrible fate. 

Lafayette loved freedom, but it was the true 
freedom, not the license to do evil. He cast 
himself on the side of law and order. 

This made him unpopular with the unthink- 
ing crowd; his enemies took advantage of this 
to make trouble for him; and finally, when he 
found his soldiers were turning against him, he 
decided to leave France till better times should 
come. 



STORY OP LAFAYETTK. 65 



Attempt to Escape and Capture of 
Lafayette. 

A decree was entered against Lafayette in tlie 
National Assembly at Paris, and all soldiers and 
citizens were ordered to make every effort to 
capture him. 

Two days later, on tlie night of the 19th of 
August, 1792, Lafayette left the army. Three 
dear friends were with him and a little band of 
those who still held true to law and order. 

They were hoping to reach Holland, that ref- 
uge for the oppressed, but owing to bad weather 
and heavy roads they were unable to proceed 
far; and, asking an Austrian post for permission 
to pass through the country, they were recog- 
nized and held as prisoners. 

It was decided that they should be held by the 
Prussians, who were fighting to help the Aus- 
trians against France, in hope of saving the 
imprisoned King Louis and his queen. 

Frederick the Great was dead, and the new 
king of Prussia, Frederick William, showed only 
enmity toward Lafayette. He and his friends 
were taken in carts like common criminals to 



66 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 

Wesel on the Rhine. They were chained like 
malefactors and confined in the castle. 

Soon afterwards they were taken to Magde- 
burg. There they remained in the dungeons a 
whole year, and worst of all, were not allowed to 
hear anything concerning their families and 
friends. 

Lafayette fell ill under these hardships, then 
they offered to make him more comfortable if he 
would make military plans for them against 
France, but though France had treated him so 
badly, Lafayette would not turn traitor, and in- 
dignantly refused. 

After moving them from place to place, the 
Prussians delivered them to the Austrians, where 
in prison at Olmutz their hardships were even 
greater. 

The sufferings of Lafayette were almost in- 
credible: — "He was warned that he would never 
again see anything but the four walls of his 
dungeon; that he would never receive news of 
events or persons; and that he would never 
receive any news of his family or of his fellow 
prisoners." 

The walls of his dungeon were twelve feet 
thick, and air was admitted only by an opening 
two feet square, guarded by iron bars. 

"In front of this was a broad ditch, and be- 



STORY OF Lafayette;. 67 

yond this, on the outer walls of the prison, were 
sentinels with loaded muskets who had orders 
to shoot them if they tried to escape." 

No wonder Lafayette's health gave way under 
such hardships. Finally, to keep him alive, they 
allowed him to have a little fresh air. 



68 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 



Lafayette's Friends Attempt His Rescue. 

Though. Congress, to the disgrace of our 
nation, at first refused to interfere in an official 
manner, later they took more favorable action 
and his individual friends were very active in 
his behalf Washington had written letters 
wherever he thought they would be of service, 
and had directed the American officials abroad to 
do all they could for Lafayette and his family. 

Our country was weak at that time. Dewey 
had not been heard at Manila, nor Schley with 
our gallant soldier boys and sailors at Santiago 
— and fears of entangling our country in Buro- 
pean wars prevented more decisive action, but 
the sad situation of one they knew so well ap- 
pealed to the pity of all. 

Governor Morris in particular exerted every 
effort in favor of his old friend. Being informed 
that Lafayette was in lack of money, Mr. Morris 
promptly advanced ten thousand florins (about 
($5,000). Congress afterwards allowed this as 
payment for the military services of General 
Lafayette. Mr. Morris also loaned a large sum 
to Madame de Lafayette to relieve the pressing 
needs of herself and children. 



STORY OF IvAFAYETTK. 69 

All good and generous hearts in Europe and 
America were touched by the sufferings of 
Lafayette, and finally a young German physician, 
Dr. Bollman, resolved to try to help him. 

Perhaps you may remember the place where 
Lafayette first visited in this country, Major 
Huger's house in South Carolina. 

His son, Francis Kinlock Huger, was at that 
time in Vienna. When a child in America he 
had often sat upon Lafayette's knees, and he 
well remembered the gallant young Frenchman 
who came to fight in our cause. 

Dr. Bollman became acquainted with young 
Huger, who was glad to do all in his power to 
help Lafayette. 

Dr. Bollman adroitly discovered that the pri- 
soner was at Olmutz, and managed, through the 
physician of the prison, to communicate with 
Lafayette. 

With the assistance of young Huger, Dr. 
Bollman made a daring attempt to rescue Lafay- 
ette, and surprised the guard of the carriage in 
which he was being taken for an airing, but, 
owing to many accidents, their attempt was un- 
successful; they were taken prisoners, and Lafay- 
ette, when within a few miles of the Austrian 
boundary, was retaken and brought back to 
Olmutz. 



70 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 

Here they were treated with great severity, as 
the attempt was thought to be part of a wide 
spread plot, but at length understanding that it 
was simply an effort of the two friends to rescue 
him, Dr. Bollman and Mr. Huger were released 
after a confinement lasting eight months. 

They left Austrian dominions at once, but 
their joy at recovering their freedom was sad- 
dened by the thought that Lafayette still re- 
mained in prison. 



STORY OF LAFAYETTS. 71 



Madame De Lafayette. 

While Lafayette was in confinement, his dear 
wife and friends were exposed to the greatest 
dangers. 

Madame de Lafayette had left Paris and re- 
moved to Chavaniac; and, now, foreseeing that 
trouble was to come, she arranged to hide her 
children in a place of safety. 

A kind priest offered them a refuge in the 
mountains. She sent her son, George Washing- 
ton, there with his tutor, during the night. Her 
two young daughters were concealed ^ at a small 
town about six miles from the castle. 

She destroyed all letters and documents that 
might lead to trouble for their friends, and set 
her house in order. 

After many anxious days, Chavaniac was 
seized and sold, and Madame Lafayette was 
thrown into prison. 

At first she was confined near her home and 
her good friends managed that occasionally she 
could see her children. They were brought 
secretly to the prison at night, and removed be- 
fore daylight; but an order came that Madame 
de Lafayette should be taken to Paris, and they 
were parted, they feared, forever. 



72 STORY OF i^a.fayet'Te;. 

Slie was first taken to a prison called La Force, 
and after two weeks spent there, she was trans- 
ferred to the old college where Lafayette had 
been educated — in these changed times it had 
been turned into a prison. How often she must 
have thought of him there. 

Her life there must have been a terrible strain. 
"Hvery morning twenty prisoners could be seen, 
departing for the guillotine." 

Forty dreadful days were spent in this way in 
the Paris prisons, then it became known that 
with the death of the tyrant, Robespierre, the 
executions had ceased. 

How anxious she must have been to learn the 
fate of her dear ones. She sent to the prisons 
to inquire for her relatives, but her mother, 
grandmother and sister had all been beheaded. 
"The three generations perished together.^' 

Meantime the friends of Madame de Lafayette 
had not been idle. In particular the American 
minister had done all he could for her, and 
finally an order was given for her release. Her 
daughter Virginia describes what followed: 

"My mother's first care was to go and thank M. Mon- 
roe for all he had done on her behalf. 

"It was six days after she had left prison that George 
joined my mother, who had sent for him. My mother 
longed to see my sister and me, but she would not leave 
Paris before having obtained, for my brother, a passport 



STORY OP LAFAYEJTTS. 73 

for America. Knowing what my father's wish would 
be, to send him to the United States, she did not hesitate 
to make the sacrifice of separating herself from George.' ' 

His tutor was to accompany him. 

Madame de Lafayette wrote to Washington, 
placing her son in his care, and asking for pro- 
tection for him. The boy was only fourteen at 
the time, and his mother must have felt sad at 
having to send him so far away; but, at least, she 
would know that he was in safety, and it left her 
free to go to aid and comfort her husband. 

She joined her daughters, and as soon as they 
could leave the country they traveled to Austria. 
Through a friend she was able to see the 
emperor. She asked permission to share Lafay- 
ette's captivity. 

The emperor replied, "I grant it to you; as for 
his liberty, that would be impossible, my hands 
are tied." 



74 STORY OF LAFAYETTE;. 



Together in Prison. 

We may imagine the joy of Lafayette when 
he saw his dear ones once more; but it was joy 
shaded by sadness. 

He knew that dreadful things had been done 
in Paris, but he did not know who had been the 
victims; Virginia de Lafayette says, "The day 
passed without his venturing to ask any question. 
My mother had not courage enough to break the 
subject herself." 

It was not till night came, and the daughters 
had been locked in an adjoining cell, that 
Madame de Lafayette told him how her grand- 
mother, her mother and her sister had perished 
on the awful guillotine. 

How glad he must have been that his dear son 
was safe in America. His daughter Anastasia 
was only sixteen at this time, and Virginia, 
named for the scene of his glory, Virginia, was 
two years younger. Though so young and fond 
of fun and pleasure, they suffered cheerfully all 
the discomforts and hardships of the prison, glad, 
if by their loving presence they could bring any 
solace to their persecuted father. 

They spent a few hours each day with him, 



STORY OP LAFAYETTE. 75 

then the old jailer came to lock them in their 
narrow stone cell for the night. 

One day Anastasia thought that she would 
like a picture of this old fellow^ and for fear he 
should object, she drew a little sketch on her 
thumb nail, which she afterwards copied on 
paper. The family in France still treasure this 
little drawing. 

Madame de Lafayette became very ill and tried 
to obtain permission to go away and recruit her 
failing strength. She was told, that if she did 
so, she could never return. This ended the mat- 
ter, for the devoted wife and mother felt that she 
would rather die in the arms of her loved ones, 
than live parted from them forever. 



76 STORY OP LAFAYETTE;. 



Release. 



The days dragged by until Lafayette had been 
over five years in prison. Once he had an offer 
of release, but on condition that he should not 
return to France. ' This he indignantly declined. 

It was nearly two years since his wife had 
joined him. Her health had suffered greatly 
by the hardships she was obliged to under- 
go; but help was coming from an unexpected 
quarter. Napoleon Bonaparte, the victorious 
Commander-in-chief of the French Army, insis- 
ted that the prisoners should be immediately 
released from confinement. 

How the family must have welcomed the glad 
morning of the nineteenth of September, 1797. 
On that day his fetters were struck off, and with 
his wife and daughters he was free to leave his 
prison. 

Kind friends were waiting to welcome them 
and relieve their pressing necessities. Lafayette 
caused their rights both as French and American 
citizens to be recognized, and then they went to 
a little town in Holstein, where they had rela- 
tives, and there they lived quietly for two years. 

George returned from Mount Vernon about 
this time, and Anastasia, the eldest daughter, 



STORY OF LAFAYETTK. 77 

married the brother of one who had shared her 
father's captivity, and tranquil if not happy days 
seemed to have come. 

Lafayette continued to watch with anxious eyes 
affairs in France, and in November, 1799, when 
Napoleon became "First Consul," Lafayette 
started immediately for Paris. 

He announced his arrival to Napoleon, who 
was none too well pleased with the news. 

Lafayette retired to La Grange, a fine old 
castle about forty miles from Paris, which con- 
tinued to be his home. There he remained 
during the rapid changes which came to France, 
unable to help, but hoping that all would work 
together for the good of his dear country. 

In the stormy days which followed Waterloo, 
Lafayette emerged from his retirement and gave 
wise counsel to the French people, then he went 
back quietly to his home at La Grange. 

He had lost his dear wife. She died on 
Christmas night, 1807, tender and loving to the 
last. 

General Washington, too, was dead, and La- 
fayette shared in our nation's grief as he had 
shared in our joy. 

He wrote at once to the family at Mount 
Vernon, expressing his sympathy in their afflic- 
tion. In Washington's will he left his silver 



78 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 

mounted pistols to Lafayette. They are now in 
France, with many other gifts and remembrances 
from the friends at Mount Vernon. 

The entrance of the allied armies into Paris 
ended in the restoration of the Bourbons, and 
Louis XVIII ascended the throne of France. 
The fateof the poor little Dauphin, son of the late 
king, was unknown, but it was thought that he 
had died in prison during the Reign of Terror. 

Lafayette hoped that the people would be 
happy under their new king, and wished to spend 
his days in peace at La Grange — but the mon- 
arch began to encroach upon the rights of the 
people. Lafayette was called again to public life 
and elected to the "Chamber of Deputies," a 
body similar to our Congress. 

Lafayette was in favor of the National Guard, 
whose general he had been, and also desired to 
increase the French navy as a means of national 
defence. 

On that occasion he paid a tribute to the navy 
of the United States: — "Whose fleet," he said, 
"since its creation, and during two severe wars 
against Great Britain, with equal and often with 
inferior force, never once failed to gaiJt the ad- 
vantaged 

Well has our navy sustained this reputation! 
What would Lafayette say could he see its 
glory now! 



STORY OF LAFAYETTK. 79 



Lafayette as the Nation's Guest — His Recep- 
tion in New York. 

Hearing that Lafayette desired to revisit the 
scenes of his early efforts for freedom, Congress 
passed a resolution that a suitable ship should 
be prepared and sent to bring the Marquis to 
America. 

However, with the simplicity which had char- 
acterized his whole life, he declined the honor, 
and embarking on the packet ship Cadmus, 
arrived in New York harbor, August 16th, 1824, 
after a pleasant voyage of thirty-one days from 
Havre. 

He was accompanied by his son, George 
Washington, M. le Vasseur and one servant. 

As the ship sailed into New York harbor a 
salute was fired from Fort Lafayette, and another 
salute was fired when he landed. Lafayette 
passed the night on Staten Island as guest of the 
Vice-president — Daniel D. Tompkins. 

Next morning the various buildings in New 
York were beautifully decorated, and the people 
turned out to welcome their beloved visitor. All 
being ready, a fleet of vessels started to escort 
Lafayette to the city. Their masts and wide- 
spread arms literally swarmed with seamen, and 



80 STORY OF I.AFAYE;TTE. 

with streamers and banners flying, they must 
have presented a beautiful sight. About six 
thousand citizens were on the boats to welcome 
him. 

When the squadron reached Staten Island a 
carriage was seen driving down to the landing, 
and the Marquis (he was always known by his 
old title in America), alighted and passed under 
an arch decorated with the French and American 
colors. 

Here he was received by the common council 
of New York and escorted on board the Chan- 
cellor Livingston, A salute was fired and the 
squadron proceeded to the city. 

Though many distinguished men were there 
the most interesting sight was the meeting of 
the general with his old military comrades. He 
greeted each one in kind remembrance and the 
minutes flew fast with stories of old days they 
had spent together. 

The citizens of New York turned out to welcome 
him. As one account says: "The flag-staff, the 
windows and even the roofs of the houses facing 
the bay, were literally crowded with spectators." 

From Monday till Friday he was the guest of 
New York, and both the public organizations and 
the private citizens vied in their efforts to pay 
honor to this famous man. 



STORY OF i^apayette;. 81 

He received invitations to visit Philadelphia, 
Albany, New Haven, Hartford and other cities, 
but his desire was to go first to Boston. 

There were no Pullman cars in those days, 
but the corporation of New York provided an 
elegant carriage to convey him on his journey, 
and appointed a committee to accompany him 
on his route. 

His pleasant visit being over, he was escorted 
as far as Harlem by a detachment of cavalry, the 
corporation in carriages, guards and military 
officers from the city, and many citizens mounted. 

At each town through which his journey lay, 
similar scenes were enacted. He passed under 
triumphal arches, and fair girls smiled in wel- 
come while they strewed his path with flowers. 




A SCENE ON THE UPPER HUDSON. 



82 STORY OF lafayejtt:^. 



Lafayette in Boston. 

The people of Boston turned out in great 
crowds to receive him with shouts of "Welcome, 
welcome, Lafayette!" "Friend of Washington!" 
"Friend of America!" "Friend of Liberty!" 

At Boston Common the procession passed be- 
tween two lines of school children, boys and 
girls, from the several schools of the city. There 
were nearly three thousand of these children 
between the ages of eight and twelve. 

They must have been a pretty sight; the girls 
dressed in white, while the boys wore white 
trousers and blue waists, or spencers, as they were 
then called. Blue and white were the colors of 
the uniform Lafayette wore when he was on 
Washington's staff, so that made the dress par- 
ticularly appropriate. They also wore ribbons 
stamped with Lafayette's picture. 

An old work gives the following account of 
one of the little girls: "As the carriage in which 
the General rode was passing, one of the little 
misses darted from the line where she was stand- 
ing, and requested to speak with him. 

"She was handed into the carriage and, by the^ 
mayor, presented to Lafayette, who pressed an 
affectionate kiss on her blooming yet blushing 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 83 

cheek. She had confidence, however, to address 
him, and place a wreath of flowers on his head. 

"He made her a short but affectionate reply 
and placed the wreath on the seat of the car- 
riage." Attached to the wreath of flowers was 
a paper containing a beautiful poem. 

Arches were thrown across the streets; over 
Washington Street there were two very fine 
ones. On one was "Welcome, Lafayette — A 
Republic Not Ungrateful." On the other were 
inscribed the following lines: 

"WELCOME, LAFAYETTE. 
"The fathers in glory shall sleep, 

Who gathered with thee to the fight; 
But the sons will eternally keep 

The tablet of memory bright. 
We bow not the neck 

And we bend not the knee, 
But our hearts, Lafayette, 

We surrender to thee." 

Governor Bustis received Lafayette in the 
name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
but he was so overcome by his feelings, that one 
of his aides had to read most of the address of 
welcome. 

In it he said: "In the last surviving Major- 
General of the Revolutionary Army, we recog- 
nize a benefactor and friend from a distant and 
gallant nation, who, inspired by a love of liberty, 



84 STORY OF I^AFAYETTK. 

subjected himself in his youth to the toils and 
hazards of a military life, in support of our 
rights. 

"Under our illustrious Washington, you were 
instrumental in establishing the liberties of our 
country, while your gallantry in the field secured 
to yourself imperishable renown." 

Lafayette, as usual, recognized and greeted 
warmly all his old friends; he seemed to cling to 
them with the affection of a brother. 

Time was thinning the ranks of the old sol- 
diers — sad thoughts came of those who were 
dead and gone — and tears moistened the eyes of 
brave men, who had faced the cannon's roar. 
Some of the scenes must have been very affect- 
ing. 

After having received all that could be done 
to show the appreciation of the people of Boston, 
Lafayette took his departure. 

At Lexington he passed under a triumphal 
arch, which bore the peculiarly appropriate in- 
scription, "Welcome, friend of America, to the 
birthplace of American liberty." 

Everywhere he heard the shouts of "Welcome, 
Lafayette," and even if his stop were but for a 
few moments, the same enthusiastic multitudes 
greeted him. 



STORY OF LAFAYETTK. 85 



Lafayette's Visit to Connecticut. 

Perliaps you will like to hear how the Con- 
necticut children welcomed him. 

When he reached Hartford, there was the 
same great display and attention from the gov- 
ernor, mayor, common council and prominent 
citizens. But what must have pleased him 
greatly was to see at the State House a gathering 
of eight hundred children. 

The little girls were all in white, and wore 
badges with the inscription, "Nous vous aimons, 
Lafayette." (We love you, Lafayette.)* 

Perhaps the children thought he would like to 
see the French words which his own children 
spoke at home. One of them gave him a gold 
medal which was wrapped in a paper with these 
lines: — 

Welcome thou to Freedom's clime, 
Glorious hero! Chief sublime! 
Garlands bright for thee are wreath' d, 
Vows of filial ardor breath 'd, 
Veteran's cheeks with tears are wet, 
'''^ Notts vous aimons, Lafayette.''' 



*NOTE — Pronounce — noo vooz a-mong. 



86 STORY OF i^afayette;. 

Monmouth's field is rich with bloom, 
Where thy warriors found their tomb, 
Yorktown's heights resound no more, 
Victor's shout our cannon roar, 
Yet our hearts record their debt, 
" We do love you, Lafayette.'" 

Brandywine, whose current rolled. 
Proud with blood of heroes bold, 
That our country's debt shall tell. 
That our gratitude shall swell. 
Infant breasts thy wounds regret, 
" W(? do love you, Lafayette ^ 

Sires, who sleep in glory's bed, 
Sires, whose blood for us was shed. 
Taught us, when our knee we bend. 
With the prayer thy name to blend; 
Shall we e'er such charge forget? 
No! — ''''Nous vous aimons, Lafayette.'" 

When our blooming cheeks shall fade, 
Pale with time, or sorrow's shade, 
When our clustering tresses fair, 
Frosts of wintry age shall wear. 
E'en till memory's sun shall set, 
" We shall love you, Lafayette.''^ 

His visit to Hartford was marked by many 
affecting incidents. Ttie General reviewed the 
troops. In the line of march was a company of 
revolutionary soldiers; as these old heroes came 
by, Lafayette shook hands with each one. How 
proud they must have felt that day! 



STORY OF I.AFAYKT'TB. 87 

After the review some gentleman brought him 
the very sash he had worn at the battle of 
Brandywine. The sash had been used to bind 
up his wound and was stiff with his blood, which 
had been shed for our freedom. 

He thanked the gentleman, and, after looking 
at it steadily for a moment, returned it to him. 

What memories its silver folds must have re- 
called! For a moment he was a boy again at 
the head of his troops, rallying the retreating 
men, but the vision passed; he was now a man 
full of years and of honors, receiving the thanks 
of a grateful people. 

The same warm welcome followed him wher- 
ever he went in Connecticut, even to his last 
stop at Saybrook, where, though it was late at 
night before he appeared, the ladies waited, 
dressed in white, and the citizens, with "Cannon 
music and illuminations," received him. 



STORY OP I.AFAYE:TT:e. 



New York Re-Visited. 

On September 6th Lafayette returned from 
his tour through New England. It had been 
arranged to celebrate September 6th, the anni- 
versary of his birth, by a banquet given by the 
Society of The Cincinnati. This was an associ- 
ation of the of&cers of the Revolutionary War. 

His escort to Washington Hall was the Lafay- 
ette Guards. This hall was elaborately decor- 
ated. Over the head of their honored guest was 
a triumphal arch of evergreen and flowers, and 
from it floated an American eagle, bearing in its 
beak a scroll, inscribed, "September 6th, 1757." 
This was the day on which he was born. He 
was now a man sixty-seven years old. 

Space is lacking to describe all that was done 
during this visit for his pleasure and in his 
honor. Kverywhere were to be seen the inscrip- 
tions of " Brandy wine " and " Yorktown," and 
triumphal arches decorated with flags of Amer- 
ica and France. Our flag had only twenty-four 
stars in those days, but its red, white and blue 
were just as beautiful as now. 

Surely the children would like to hear what 
was done in the New York Free Schools. Ou 



STORY OF' LAFAYETTE. 89 

Friday, having been invited by the Trustees, he 
visited several of the buildings. Afterwards, the 
pupils were gathered together; he reviewed them 
in the Park, and a large class of the girls recited 
the following lines: 

Welcome, Hero, to the West, 
To the land thy sword hath blest! 
To the country of \hQ.free, 
Welcome, Friend of Liberty! 

Grateful millions guard thy fame, 
Age and youth revere thy name, 
Beauty twines the wreath for thee, 
Glorious Son of Liberty! 

Years shall speak a nation's love, 
Wheresoe'er thy footsteps move. 
By the choral paean met — 
Welcome, welcome, Lafayette! 

There were about five thousand of these chil- 
dren arranged in order, and an old writer says, 
"The scene was truly interesting, and afforded a 
peculiar gratification to the General, who well 
knew that the schools of America were the nur- 
series of freedom and the basis of American lib- 
erty." 

It is equally fitting that Lafayette should be 
remembered by the school children of to-day. 
His example must ever prove an incentive to 
feelings of the purest patriotism. 



% STORY OF LAFAYETTS. 

Visits to Other Places. 

Arrangements had been made to go by water 
to Albany, witli stops at various places. The 
people of the interior had gathered to see the 
boat pass, and the beautiful banks of the Hud- 
son from New York to Albany were lined with 
spectators who had come to do honor to the 
"Nation's Guest." 

A stop was made at West Point, where the 
cadets were inspected and presented to him. 
We may be sure he had a kind word for each, 
as he remembered the early days when his duties 
and studies had been similar to theirs. 

The trip up and down the Hudson was equally 
delightful, and whether he was received with the 
pomp of wealth or the simple greeting of the 
poor, the same love and respect pervaded the 
demonstrations. 

On arriving in New Jersey, he was greeted by 
a chorus, which sang: 

Hail! the gallant chief whose fame 
Is pure as heaven's ethereal flame! 

Who comes our peaceful fields to cheer, 
A father of ten millions dear! 
Oh! strew the blooms of vale and grove — 
Bright as our tears, warm as our love! 
The present and the past are met 
To bid us welcome Lafayette. 



STORY OP LAFAYETTB. 9l 

His visits in New Jersey were particularly 
interesting, for so much of the state was historic 
ground. 

His reception in Philadelphia was most im- 
pressive, particularly so when the General arrived 
at the old State House where the Declaration of 
hidependence was signed, in 1776. 

What changes had come since 1777, when he 
waited outside the door of this very building, 
hoping that Congress would accept the offer of 
his fortune and his sword. 

Now he was the "Nation's Guest," and the 
prominent of&cials of the country were assembled 
in his honor. For eight days he enjoyed the 
hospitalities of "The City of Brotherly Love," 
then passed on towards Washington. 

After a triumphal progress through Delaware 
and Maryland, Lafayette arrived at the District 
of Columbia. He was met at the line by a dis- 
tinguished escort which accompanied him to 
Capitol Square. Here a beautiful reception 
awaited him. Standing under an arch were 
twenty-five young ladies, representing the twenty- 
four states and the District of Columbia. 

Congress was not in session at the time, but 
Lafayette received a warm welcome in Washing- 
ton from the president, James Monroe, and after 
many attentions from private citizens, he has- 
tened to Mount Vernon. 



92 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 

Lafayette at Mount Vernon. 

Lafayette was very anxious to visit the grave 
of his old friend. It was a tranquil Sabbath morn- 
ing, when they floated down the noble Potomac 
which flows by the slopes of Mount Vernon. The 
guns of Fort Washington announced their ap- 
proach — and soon they landed; but the friend 
who had always before been there to welcome 
Lafayette was gone forever. 

M. le Vasseur, who was with Lafayette, gives 
the following account of their visit : — "Three 
nephews of General Washington took Lafayette, 
his son and myself to the tomb of their uncle. 

H: * * :i: si; * * 

"Lafayette descended alone into the tomb and 
a few minutes later reappeared with his eyes 
overflowing with tears. He took his son and 
me by the hand and led us into the tomb, where 
by a sign he indicated the cofiin of his paternal 
friend, alongside of which was that of his com- 
panion in life, united to him in the grave. We 
knelt reverently near his cofiin." 

What a sad hour that must have been to the 
loving heart of Lafayette! While he was at 
Mount Vernon, Mr. Eustis presented him with 
a ring containing a lock of Washington's hair. 
He also gave him the masonic sash and apron 
which had been worn by Washington. 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 93 

The Celebration at Yorktown. 

After the affecting visit at Mount Vernon was 
ended, "the last of the Generals of the Army of 
Independence" proceeded to the scene of his early 
triumphs. "An arch was erected over the site of 
the redoubt, which he carried at the head of the 
American troops at the siege of Yorktown. An 
appropriate celebration of the day followed. 

"Lafayette occupied as his headquarters, the 
same house in which Cornwallis had his, forty- 
three years before, during the siege. Sortie ser- 
vants, in examining the cellar, discovered an 
antique chest which, on opening, they found to 
contain candles, blackened by time, and which, by 
the inscription on the lid, were known to have 
formed part of Cornwallis' stores during the siege. 

"This discovery being proclaimed, the candles 
were in due time lighted and arrayed in circles 
in the center of the camp, where dancing was 
one of the amusements of the evening." 

Le Vasseur says that the old revolutionary sol- 
diers were so elated by the amusing idea of a ball 
in Yorktown in 1824, by the light of Cornwallis' 
candles, that notwithstanding their great age and 
the fatigues of the day, most of them were unwill- 
ing to retire until the candles were entirely con- 
sumed. Virginia gave him a royal welcome, and 
among other pleasures he enjoyed a week with 
his old friend, Thomas Jefferson, at Monticello. 



94 STORY OF LAFAYKTTK. 



Congress Receives the Nation's Guest. 

On Lafayette's return to the capital, both 
houses of Congress united to do him honor; he 
was invited to take a seat in the Senate chamber 
and the members received him standing. 

First he visited the Senate, then went to the 
House of Representatives. When he had been 
escorted to the center of the hall, the speaker, 
Henry Clay, eloquently addressed him. Among 
other things he said: — '^ Although but few of the 
members who compose this body shared with 
you in the war of our revolution, all have, from 
impartial history or from faithful traditions, a 
knowledge of the perils, the sufferings, and the 
sacrifices which you voluntarily encountered, 
and the signal services in America and Europe 
which you performed for an infant, a dis- 
tant and an alien people; all feel and own the 
very great extent of the obligations under which 
you have placed our country." 

Lafayette was greatly affected by portions of 
this eloquent speech, but he advanced and made 
a suitable reply, from which we quote the fol- 
lowing passages: 

"The approbation of the American people and 
their representatives, for my conduct during the 



STORY OF LAFAYETTB. 95 

vicissitudes of th^ European revolution, is the 
highest reward I could receive. Well may I 
stand firm and erect when in their names and by 
you, Mr. Speaker, I am declared to have in 
every instance been faithful to those American 
principles of liberty, equality and true social 
order, the devotion to which, as it has been from 
my earliest youth, so it shall continue to be to 
my latest breath. 

"Permit me, Mr. Speaker, and gentlemen of 
the House of Representatives, to join to the 
expressions of those sentiments, a tribute of my 
lively gratitude, affectionate devotion and pro- 
found respect." 

Public feeling being strongly in favor of the 
measure to indemnify Lafayette for the pecuni- 
ary secrifices he had made in our cause, Congress 
also passed an act directing the Secretary of the 
Treasury to pay him the sum of two hundred 
thousand dollars, and also granting to him and 
to his heirs one township of land to be located 
on any unappropriated lands in the United 
States. 

Lafayette accepted what he styled the "muni- 
ficent gift," in the same spirit in which it was 
tendered. 

He might have alluded to the fact that during 
his six years of service, he spent nearly two 



96 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 

hundred thousand dollars of his own fortune for 
us; and as another writer remarks: — "To this 
catalogue of Lafayette's sacrifices and services 
might have been added — and the remnants of 
his estate were confiscated, his family persecuted, 
and he himself confined five years in loathsome 
dungeons for his devotion to the cause of Ameri- 
can freedom, and to those principles upon which 
her existence as a nation depends." 

What Lafayette called a gift was really only 
repayment of our indebtedness, and let us be 
thankful that to Congress was given both the 
power and the will to do what was generous, as 
well as just, in this matter. 



STORY OP LAFAYETTE. 97 



Tours in the West and South. 

About the first of March General Lafayette 
began his journey through the Southern and 
Western States. 

His tour included North and South Carolina, 
Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ten- 
nessee, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana 
and Ohio. 

His visit to the town of Camden, South Caro- 
lina, was an affecting occasion, for there he laid 
the corner-stone of a monument to his old friend 
De Kalb. There the heroic De Kalb fell at the 
head of the Delaware and Maryland troops, after 
having received eleven wounds. 

Charleston gave him a warm welcome, remem- 
bering that it was there he had first visited in 
America. He had the great pleasure also of 
meeting Col. Huger, who had made such a dar- 
ing attempt to rescue Lafayette from prison. 
The authorities presented their distinguished 
visitor with a portrait of Col. Huger in an ele- 
gant frame of solid gold. 

At Nashville the Nation's Guest was welcomed 
by General Andrew Jackson, whom he visited. 
In Ohio he was received by General Harrison, 
both of whom afterward became President. 



98 STORY OF LAFAYBTTB. 



The Closing Days of the Visit of Lafayette. 

The end of the journey was hurried, as he 
was compelled to hasten to Boston, where he was 
to be present at the laying of the corner stone of 
the Bunker Hill monument on the fiftieth anni- 
versary of the Battle of Bunker Hill. 

It was most fitting that the last surviving 
general of the revolution should lay the corner 
stone of that proud monument to the revolution- 
ary heroes; and in an eloquent oration Daniel 
Webster paid fitting tribute to the brave deeds 
they had done. 

Lafayette then returned to Washington after 
a brief journey through Maine, New Hampshire 
and Vermont, having celebrated the '' Fourth of 
July" in New York, and made a short stay in 
Philadelphia. 

Of course, he could not leave without one last 
look at the battlefields of Germantown, Barren 
Hill and Brandy wine, and to these places he was 
escorted by a large band of revolutionary soldiers; 
but the closing days of the visit were at hand, the 
time to say farewell had almost come. At Wash- 
ington he was the guest of President John 
Quincy Adams, and everything was done to 
make the last days memorable. 



STORY OF LAFAYETTB. 99 

Finally, on the seventh of September, 1825, 
the hour of parting came and, standing in the 
vestibule of the presidential mansion. President 
Adams made a most noble and eloquent farewell 
address. In it he said: — 

"Yet we, too, and our children, in life and after death, 
shall claim you for our own. You are ours by that more 
than patriotic self-devotion with which you flew to the 
aid of our fathers at the crisis of their fate. 

"Ours by that long series of years in which you have 
cherished us in your regard. Ours by that unshaken 
sentiment of gratitude for your services, which is a prec- 
ious portion of our inheritance. Ours by that tie of love, 
stronger than death, which has linked your name, for the 
endless ages of time, with the name of Washington." 

General Lafayette was visibly affected, but 
made a suitable reply, closing: — 

"God bless you, sir, and all who surround us. God 
bless the American people, each of their states and the 
federal government. Accept this patriotic farewell of an 
overflowing heart; such will be its last throb when it 
ceases to beat." 



100 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 



Homeward Bound. 



After an affectionate parting from his many 
friends, General Lafayette was escorted to the 
small steamer, Mount Vernon, which was to con- 
vey him to the Brandywine — a government 
frigate, prepared for his homeward voyage and 
named in his honor. 

As the little boat passed down the Potomac, 
the tomb of Washington came to view, and La- 
fayette rose to take a last look at the grave of 
his beloved friend. What recollections must 
have come as he gazed — silent — at the lonely 
tomb! 

The next morning they reached the Brandy- 
wine, and after a pleasant voyage of twenty-four 
days, they arrived in France. 

The officers of the boat had become much at- 
tached to Lafayette during this long voyage, and 
when the time for parting came, they deputed 
Lieutenant Gregory to speak for them. 

He scarcely knew what to say, but seizing the 
American flag which floated from the vessel, he 
gave it to Lafayette, exclaiming: — "We cannot 
confide it to more glorious keeping. Take it, 
dear General; may it ever recall to you your 
alliance with the American nation; may it also 



STORY OF I^AFAYKTTE. 101 

sometimes recall to your recollection those who 
will never forget the happiness they enjoyed of 
passing twenty-four days with you on the 
Brandywine; and in being displayed twice a 
year on the tower of your hospitable dwelling, 
may it recall to your neighbors the anniversary 
of two great epochs, whose influence on the 
whole world is incalculable — the birth of Wash- 
ington and the declaration of independence." 

Lafayette replied: — "I accept it with grati- 
tude, and I hope, that, displayed from the most 
prominent part of my house at La Grange, it 
will always testify to all who may see it the 
kindness of the American nation towards its 
adopted and devoted son. 

"And I also hope, that when you or your fel- 
low countrymen visit me, it will tell you that at 
La Grange you are not on foreign soil." 



102 STORY OF LAFAYETTE;. 



La Grange. 

After landing at Havre, Lafayette proceeded 
at once to La Grange, which lie reached on the 
9th of October, having been absent about four- 
teen months. 

The inhabitants of the neighborhood had pre- 
pared elaborate fetes to welcome him and to show 
their delight at having him safe at home again. 
These over, he prepared to enjoy a time of quiet 
rest with his family. 

Lafayette had so many griefs and hardships 
at one time, that his friends must feel glad that 
he had such a pleasant home during the last 
years of his life. 

Perhaps you would like to hear more about it. 
It has been well described by his old physician 
and friend. 

La Grange is about forty-three miles from 
Paris, in a pleasant part of the country. The 
house, or chateau, as the French call it, has two 
stories besides the basement. It is spacious and 
the gothic towers at the corners give quite a bar- 
onial air to the mansion. The walls are nearly 
covered with ivy and Virginia creeper. 

The grounds, containing about eight hundred 
acres, are neatly kept and the place is surrounded 



STORY OF I.AFAYETTE. 103 

by fine trees, among wliicli are some enormous 
willows. 

About the house there is an old moat, which 
is from thirty to forty feet wide and seven feet 
deep. The water in this is beautifully clear, 
and filled with fish. The moat, which formerly 
surrounded the mansion, has been filled up on 
one side, thus making a fine approach to the 
park. 

Lafayette needed a large house, for his sons 
and daughters lived with him, and his twelve 
grandchildren; so that he had nearly twenty in 
his family. He also had many visitors, those 
from America in particular always being made 
very welcome. 

He gave largely to the poor in times of dis- 
tress, and his benefactions are still remembered 
in the neighborhood; his family even denied 
themselves pleasures that they might be able to 
give to those in need. 

He treasured many things which had come 
from America, especially a portrait of Washing- 
ton and the flag of the Brandywine which was 
draped above it. 

There is in La Grange now a large room 
called the Lafayette museum. This contains 
the accumulated treasures of his long life — gifts 
from the American people and from many other 
friends. 



104 



STORY OF IvAFAYETTi;. 







H 



asa li HBC! 1 



X 




STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 105 

Especially valued is the sword-of-honor pre- 
sented to him by Congress. During the dark 
days of the French Revolution, fearing it would 
be destroyed, his wife caused it to be buried; but 
now, after many years, it again sees the light of 
day, bright as the fame of him who bore it. 

At the Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago, 
the French government arranged a reproduc- 
tion of the room in which Louis XVI received 
Silas Deane, Benjamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, 
calling it La Salle de Lafayette, or Room of 
Lafayette, and they sent many of these treasures 
for us to see. 

It was a very impressive sight; and as one 
looked on the Gobelin tapestries, woven to com- 
memorate "Jorcktonn," as they spelled it, and 
saw the cushions embroidered by Mrs. Wash- 
ington, and Washington's pistols and a lock of 
his hair which were sent to Lafayette, and the 
beautiful sword-of-honor, it made those days of 
old seem real — and one longed to see the brave 
hearts, the relics of whose glory were strewn 
about in such profusion. 

The French government showed a very grace- 
ful courtesy in giving our people such an 
opportunity to see these historic treasures. 

At this time of Lafayette's life he is described 
as being a tall and well proportioned man, some- 



106 • STORY OF lafaye;ttk. 

what inclined to stoutness. His features were 
regular and his forehead high and intellectual. 
His eyes were grayish-blue, and the whole 
expression of his face was frank and kind. His 
complexion was clear, and it is said that at the 
age of seventy-seven not a wrinkle furrowed his 
countenance. 

Though hospitable to his friends, his diet was 
simple, and he drank nothing but water. In his 
dress he was plain but scrupulously neat, and in 
manner he was social and cheerful. 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 107 



Other Public Services of Lafayette. 

But Lafayette was not destined to enjoy tlie 
quiet of his beautiful home very long. He was 
again elected member of the Chamber of Depu- 
ties. 

He was now obliged to spend his winters in 
Paris, and his public duties were numerous and 
exacting for a man of his years, but he was al- 
ways ready to serve his country. 

Charles X had succeeded his brother Louis, 
but his continual encroachments threatened the 
people with the loss of their liberties. His un- 
just measures raised the capital to revolt, and 
insurrection followed. 

Lafayette was at La Grange, but hastened to 
the scene of strife to offer his services to the 
patriots. The contest raged in Paris ; barri- 
cades were erected in the streets ; the royal 
troops fired on the people ; the deputies feared 
to act. 

Lafayette showed the old spirit and bravery. 
He assumed the position of head of a provisional 
government ; he ordered the old tri-color to be 
raised on the public buildings, and he issued a 
proclamation to the people, closing: "Liberty 
shall triumph or we will perish together." 



108 STORY OF IvAFAYKTTE;. 

His name restored confidence and the people 
did their part bravely. 

The next day Charles X sent to make con- 
cessions, but Lafayette replied that it was "too 
late." Charles X had ended his reign. Many 
wished to make Lafayette the new ruler, but 
— imitating the example of our glorious Wash- 
ington — he declined all selfish thought of this ; 
and the Chamber of Deputies chose the Duke of 
Orleans, who became king, under the title of 
Louis Philippe, the Citizen King. 



STORY OF I.AFAYETTK. 109 



The Death and Burial of Lafayette. 

To the last lie gave his time and strength to 
the cause of the people, but the closing scene was 
fast approaching, 

A political duel terminated in the death of his 
friend, M. Dulong. Lafayette walked with the 
funeral procession to the grave. It was too 
much for a constitution enfeebled by age and dis- 
ease, and severe illness followed. 

He rallied after a time and was able to take a 
short drive, but a violent thunderstorm arose 
and Lafayette was chilled and wet by the rain. 

This brought on an attack which proved fatal 
at daybreak on the 20th of May, 1834. 

A few moments before he breathed his last, 
Lafayette opened his eyes and fixed them with a 
look of affection on his children, who surrounded 
his bed, as if to bless them and bid them an 
eternal adieu. 

So he died, surrounded by those he loved. 

Paris gave Lafayette a most impressive fu- 
neral. All ranks in life were represented, from 
the highest to the lowest, and the coffin was sur- 
mounted by tri-color standards — emblems of the 
liberty he loved so well. 



no 



STORY OF LAFAY:eTT:e. 



It is told that when the procession was on its 
way to the grave, a poor man was turned back 
with the words, *'None but the family are here." 

"We all belong to the family," said the poor 
man, " for he loved us all as his children." The 
ranks were immediately opened and he followed 
next the bier to the cemetery. 

Among the pall-bearers was a representative 
from America, and earth from America, mingled 
with that of France, was strewn upon his coffin. 




TOMB OF LAFAYETTE. 



STORY OF LAFAYETTE. Ill 

In a quiet nook in the Picpus Cemetery in 
Paris, among trees and flowers, lies the lowly 
grave of Lafayette. His body rests beside that 
of his dear wife, and near them sleep more than 
a thousand headless victims of the guillotine — 
sad relics of those dreadful days of terror. Near 
by a cross, the emblem of his faith, seems to 
throw its sheltering arms above the graves. 

Strangers often find their way to this quiet 
spot, for, while Liberty lives, the name of Lafay- 
ette will never.be forgotten. 

Though exposed in youth to the temptations 
of a corrupt court, and in after years to the al- 
lurements of ambition, Lafayette ever remained 
"pure and beyond reproach." Even his most 
malicious enemies can bring no substantial 
charges against his character, and we need not 
fear that our admiration is misplaced, when we 
give it to one who commanded the love and res- 
pect of our great Washington. 

In the revolution, we fought for our own dear 
country — but Lafayette came from a strange land 
to aid us. He left luxury and ease to suffer 
hardship and privation for us. His wealth was 
spent in our service ; and truly it may be said of 
him, that he was one of those, ^''Who fought and 
bled in Freedom's Cause." So, when we remem- 



112 STORY OF LAFAYETTE. 

ber tlie great names whicli sliine on tlie pages of 
onr country's story, let us not forget to honor 
our brave friend, LAFAYETTE, wlio helped us to 
win our country's freedom. 



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Course of Study m 

History and hiteraime. -miLY j. rice. 

IMPORTANT FEATURES. 



1Q - 1 Tijt j.'L J This book is an attempt to adapt history 

XllTXl^Ty iVlCtnOClS* ^na literature to the youngest children 
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are made on the conduct of the recitation. • 

Y^ It The lists of reading for each grade are the results of care- 

XVCO'UIII^* fui experiments in the grades and a testing of each book. 
Each line of work is accompanied by a list of reference books on the subjects 

In addition, a full list of these books is given, with the names of the 
publishers. This list is a very valuable feature. The work is excellent as 
a guide in selecting books for Library and Reference. 

Qoth, 190 pages, 75 cents. 

A. FLANAGAN, 

CmCAGQ. 



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